In this Issue...

In this issue:

• Garden Tasks
• July 2023 Year-to-Date Harvest
• Where did the Harvest Go?
• Recent Postings
• Become a Harvester/Grower

In the Garden this Month

Again the forecast is for slightly warmer and drier for the month of July. Remember our average temps in July run from a low of 55 to a high of 70. So we will need a bit more watering and mulching, but it shouldn’t be too hot to work in the mornings. 

As we pull out our garlic, lettuce, and other completed crops it is time to start planting our fall crops.  Getting in more greens, beets, brassicas and remembering to cover crop any area not  intended to be planted right now.  A quick growing green manure crop where you plan to plant this fall's garlic could give it a great start in October.

Mulching to keep the ground moist and watering enough but not too much about 1” per week for most crops.  It is time to start watering the potatoes a bit but not too much. They should have most of the hilling done.  Once the flowers die back you can start harvesting a few new potatoes around the edges. 

Garden Tasks:

Harvest.  Garlic comes out this month and must be cured in a warm place out of direct sunlight with good air circulation.  Curing takes about two weeks.  Then you can bag or braid it. 

Mulch under squash plants to help keep weeds down and keep the squash off the dirt. Also around bean plants and brassicas.

Planting.  You can plant a new batch of greens (lettuces) in the garden in the shade of taller plants so it doesn’t get too hot now, but will get more sun in the fall as you harvest the tall things such as corn and pole beans.

It is also time to plant overwintering brassicas — cabbage and cauliflower for spring harvest and sprouting broccoli. 

Now is when biannual and perennial herbs are sown.  Getting them off to a good start before winter so they are ready for harvest next spring.

It is also tomato pinching time.  Thin out the lower suckers and brown leaves to increase air circulation.

Sow overwintering onions this year.  They are sown the last couple of weeks in July for a spring harvest.  I haven’t tried this but it would be nice to have fresh onions in the spring.

Have questions/comments?

Dianna can be reached at: FBGgardencoordinator@gmail.com

JULY 2023 Year-to-Date Harvest 

2074.95 pounds  (1726.75 volunteer hours)

This year we are also distributing excess starts to new homes over 1400 plants so far are getting a fresh start in a home garden.

Where did the Harvest go?

• Port Townsend Food Bank has received over 1,000 pounds.
• Tri Area Food Bank has received over 880 pounds
• Quilcene Food Bank has received 46.5 pounds
• Brinnon Food Bank has received 17.5 pounds
• Coyle Pop up has received 8.25 pounds
• Eaglemount Pop up has received 8.75 pounds

If you have extra produce to donate, any of these Food Banks would be glad to get them.  I would suggest we focus our giving on those who are currently receiving less.  Look at the FBG Calendar for drop off dates and details.

If you have questions about what, where or when to donate/produce you can contact Dianna Wiklund at FBGgardencoordinator@gmail.com.

We Need HARVESTERS!!!

The season has arrived — Each garden will need harvesters to pick and prepare the produce for the FoodBank distribution. Hours differ by garden. “Gleaning” will start later in August.

And we need Growers — Learn how to grow fresh food for the Food Banks while learning how to grow food for yourself at home. We guarantee the every day you'll learn something new. All gardens will need help -- the more volunteers, the easier and more fun the work becomes. Go to the MAP SECTION of the website and locate a garden near you. Hours differ by garden.

VOLUNTEER HERE